Negligent homicide indictment for fatal car crash

Tuesday

Apr 22, 2014 at 1:24 PMApr 22, 2014 at 1:43 PM

DOVER — Barrington resident John Shaw was indicted last week on four negligent homicide charges, alleging he caused the death of an elderly couple while driving under the influence of alcohol in August.

By Liz Markhlevskayalmark@fosters.com

DOVER — Barrington resident John Shaw was indicted last week on four negligent homicide charges, alleging he caused the death of an elderly couple while driving under the influence of alcohol in August.

Shaw, 49, of 72 Flower Dr., Barrington, was involved in a two-vehicle collision on Aug. 31. The accident occurred as Shaw was driving a Ford Ranger west on Route 202 in Barrington, and then crossed the center line and collided with an eastbound Ford Edge. Joel McLain, 77, who was the driver of the Ford Edge, died instantly. McLain's wife Maxine McLain, also 77, who was the passenger in the vehicle, died several hours later, after being transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital.

Joel and Maxine McLain were Biddeford, Maine, residents.

Shaw was ejected from his vehicle in the accident, and was transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital after the crash.

According to an affidavit by State Police Trooper Christopher Storm, first responders on scene reported an smell of alcohol coming from Shaw.

“He was asked how much alcoholic beverages he had consumed. He stated a few,” states the affidavit.

In addition, there were signs at the hospital that he was impaired, states the affidavit.

In an interview shortly after the accident, Exeter resident Keith Carman, who has known Shaw for more than 30 years, said Shaw is not known to drink.

On Thursday, a Strafford County Superior Court grand jury indicted Shaw on four negligent homicide charges in connection to the accident. Each charge is a Class B felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 3½ to 7 years in prison.

Two of the indictments allege that Shaw caused the deaths of Joel and Maxine McLain by driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor. The other two indictments allege Shaw, while driving at a high rate of speed, drove off into the pavement on the right shoulder of the road, and then turned left, into the opposite lane of travel, causing the couple's death.

Shaw is currently free on $25,000 personal recognizance bail. His arraignment is scheduled for May 1, at Strafford County Superior Court.